Asus Eee Pad shows off for the camera

Back in August, we reported that Asus would be releasing an Android-based Eee Tablet in 2011. Folks, if you haven't been drinking the tablet Kool-Aid, you might want to start. What you're looking at here is that exact tablet we told you about in all of its glory. I'd be lying to you if I told you I didn't think this thing was sexy, and I'd be lying to you even more if I told you I don't want this in my hands as I write this.

What's even more compelling is what the pictures reveal. This is no ordinary tablet, pad -- whatever you want to call it. At least one variant is boasting what appears to be a full keyboard, and additional ports on the side as well. Now, before you call this a Netbook, let me be clear that Asus is marketing this thing as a tablet. Now excuse me, I have a few pictures to drool over. [via Tech in Style]

Another sign that the Xperia Play should be here sometime in spring 2011

We don't really need yet another piece of evidence pointing to the Sony Ericsson Xperia Play (or PSP Phone, or Playstation Phone) being announced and released in the coming months -- so here's another piece of evidence of the Sony Sony Ericsson Xperia Play (or PSP Phone, or Playstation Phone) being announced and released in the coming months. The new one comes via Japanese newspaper Asahi Shimbun, which writes that it's expected in spring 2011 in North America and Europe. And have we mentioned we fully expect to see the Sony Ericsson Xperia Play (or PSP Phone, or Playstation Phone) to be announced sometime in the coming months? OK. Just so we all have that straight. [Asahi Shimbun (translated) via Yahoo News, Engadget]

Android Quick App: rdio

Android certainly has its share of music streaming applications, and sometimes it can be hard to choose between them all. If you do a lot of radio streaming, either on your computer or on your phone, you know just as much as I do how many options you have.

But rdio is a little different from the rest. Rdio allows you to choose from any song, artist or album that it has in its database at any time, and it does a fairly good job at it, too. We'll take a quick look at this app after the break!

Photoshop fail: Droid Eris runs Windows Mobile

What is this we have here? Well, thanks to our friends over at Best Buy it, appears we have a Droid Eris running Windows Mobile! Not only is it running Windows Mobile, but it also appears to be sporting some sort of HSPA GSM 3G network based on that nice little "H" up there. Unless we're missing something (and that's doubtful), I don't think Verizon has made any decisions to ditch its CDMA network any time soon. Photoshop fails sure aren'tanything new, but they surely don't get old, either! Thanks Is377. [Best Buy via the Android Central Forums].

Now you gotta remember, Samsung has a less-than-stellar reputation with this whole update thing. But we have to hold out hope that the updates are getting ready to roll. If you see the update hitting your phone, be sure to head into the forums and spread some epic news. [Samsung, Vibrant product page, Epic 4G product page, Fascinate product page] Thanks to everyone who sent these in

It isn't 100 percent indestructible (duh), but it holds up extremely well against your screen-scratching pocket change or car keys. If you own a device that sports Gorilla Glass, chances are you'll never -- ever -- need a screen protector.[Android Central Forums] Thanks, Jimmycinla!

Sprint lights up high-speed 4G Wimax in San Francisco

For all you folks living in the Bay Area, take heed: Sprint has officially flipped the switch on its 4G Wimax data in San Francisco. That means if you have an HTC Evo 4G, Samsung Epic 4G or one of them newfangled Overdrive devices, it's time to turn on your 4G radio and get to high-speed downloadin'. And we're not just talking downtown -- you've also got signal in San Jose, Palo Alto and Oakland. So fire up that smartphone, look your frustrated iPhone friends in the eye and show 'em how it's done. Full presser's after the break. [Sprint]

Updated Music app leaked -- shows off awesome UI overhaul

One aspect of Android that has remained nearly untouched since 1.0 is its music player. Some would say Android's UI as a whole could use some polishing, but when it comes to the stock music player, I couldn't agree more.

The leaked APK is a bit buggy, but it does work (kinda). The playback is a bit choppy at times, and force closes weren't absent. But it offers a pleasing look at the new UI enhancements. If this is where Android's UI is going in future versions -- I dig it.

If you want to get your hands on the leaked Music 3.0 app, head over to the source link and give it a spin. Not up for it? Check out the video after the break [XDA Developers via Engadget]

VLC Media player set to arrive on Android early 2011

The multitude of VLC compatible apps already in the Android Market is pretty amazing. The fact those apps exist at the level in which they do already shows there is demand for VLC to be on Android. Yes it's true, some most are just remote apps but that shows people use VLC enough to even care. Now, the news comes that VLC will be releasing an Android App come early 2011.

According to sources, the developers have been hard at work on VLC for Android for months now but have been thus far defeated by its Java system limitations. The improvements made within Gingerbread and the Android NDK now allows development to chug on with no issues but, what does that mean for device not currently running gingerbread? The only thing I can really say is, while the idea of VLC on Android seems great, the iOS launch was plagued with bugs and well, never really gave that "It's VLC it'll play a pop tart if I tell it to" feel. While it is working better now, I'd be just as happy waiting longer for the Android version so that it can be fully baked. [GigaOM]

Secret Sony Ericsson device photographed by another secret SE device

Leaked images of unannounced devices aren't uncommon, but they always seem to make waves in the blogosphere. But the waves are a little higher when an unannounced device is caught on camera by another secret device. Speculation suggests the handset we're seeing here is the Sony Ericsson Hallon -- a yet-to-be announced device toting Gingerbread and front-and-rear cameras.

The device responsible for capturing these images is believed to be the Sony Ericsson Anzu -- which is rumored to be the successor to the Xperia X10. Formerly referred to as the X12, the Sony Ericsson Anzu is said to have a 12-megapixel camera. However, the resolution of the images that appeared on Picasa were 8-megapixels. So either these shots weren't shot at maximum resolution, or Sony Ericsson went with a lower-spec camera. And for all we know, these images could have been captured with a completely different device altogether.

SoundHound now offering free, unlimited music recognition

SoundHound, one of a few music identification services out there has announced it will now be providing free, unlimited music IDs from here on out. The application is still supported by ads so if you're looking to get rid of those, they do still offer an upgrade without them as well as a few other features. But if you don't mind the ads all that much you are more then welcome to continue using the free version in it's newly founded unlimited fashion. So next time you're stuck on needing to know that tune, you know where to turn. Hit the break for the download link. [via UberGizmo]

Yes, we're all still recovering from the Holiday cheer we had and it's not all over quite yet. We still have to make it into the new year but getting there and what comes after will be a blast. If you're still celebrating your new Android goodies ya got for the Holidays join us in the forums, why don't ya?

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